Menzies and Carlton
Glenn Mitchell has written a wonderful piece on the Carlton Football Club website about former Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies and his love of the Blues.
Menzies was Prime Minister from 1939-41 and 1949-66.
Mitchell writes how a car ramp was installed between the Heatley and Harris Stands at Princes Park for Menzies’ Bentleigh.
The ramp was always up about 20 minutes before game time and as the time approached for Sir Robert’s arrival, people would be looking over their shoulders wanting his tinted-window black Bentleigh drive up that ramp to give Sir Robert and his wife, Dame Pattie, a view of the game above the crowd. As the minutes ticked by, there would always be a sense of apprehension and excitement. Apprehension because we didn’t want him to miss the game – or worse – and excitement that he had arrived safely and we could all get on with supporting the Mighties who were a fantastic team in those glory years. There was always a cheer when the Bentleigh drove up and it was universal. Labor and Liberal supporters forgetting their political differences and being united by the arrival of the club’s number one ticket holder and a true Carlton man.
I don’t normally quote such a long extract, but Mitchell captured the scene so well. (more…)
The greatest VFL performance ever
Possibly the best performance ever by a VFL/AFL team in the home and away season occurred in round 13, 1983 when Fitzroy defeated North Melbourne at the Junction Oval.
It was more than half way through the season, with North on top of the ladder and Fitzroy third.
Fitzroy totally obliterated the Kangaroos to win 34.16.220 to 10.10.70. I’m pretty sure it was the highest winning margin ever recorded against a ladder-leading side.
The current AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou played for North Melbourne in that game, probably one he would rather forget. Ruckman Matt Rendell booted eight goals for the Lions, Mick Conlan and Bernie Quinlan seven each. (more…)
Up There Cazaly
For any Victorian who lived through the 1970s, “Up There Cazaly” is unforgettable:
Fitzroy’s last premiership
Fitzroy’s last premiership was in the VFL reserves in 1989:
Football and soccer mums
Patrick Smith writes in The Australian the AFL is concerned about “soccer mums” in trying to reduce physical contact in the game.
It’s a good point, especially in light of the Maxwell tribunal fiasco.
Parents, especially mothers, probably feel more secure watching their sons play soccer than Australian football or rugby.
My own son started playing football too young, copped some heavy hits by older boys and lost interest. He now loves soccer and does very well. (more…)
Fitzroy against the odds
What a treasure, and thanks to YouTube.
Fitzroy left the AFL in 1996 so quality video is hard to come by.
I came across this clip tonight, which I think is from a game in 1991. Whatever the year, I remember coach Robert Shaw taking the team across to supporters at three-quarter-time for a rev-up and getting the win. (more…)
The Ballad of Haydn Bunton
Ken Mansell wrote The Ballad of Haydn Bunton a few years ago and released it on CD with Peter Bell.
Bunton was probably the greatest ever Australian footballer. Even though his performances are now beyond living memory for most people, he still rates in the top 10 all-time players when people compile those lists.
He won three Brownlow Medals playing for Fitzroy in the VFL and three Sandover Medals with Subiaco in Western Australia. (more…)
